Hon Chair, it's a tough pill to swallow when the AG finds errors at the department responsible for co- ordination of finances of all government departments. As the custodian of finance for the entire government, it must lead by example. It cannot be that preparations of performance reports and financial statements are done incorrectly and flagged by AG.
If we were to strive for excellence in financial management, it's best that we start with this department.
It baffles me that disregard for legislation was also cited by AG. If we were to encourage other to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act, PFMA, and the Municipal Financial Management Act, MFMA, yet the Department of Finance is still finding its feet and wrapping its head around its own legislation; then I believe our trying times will last a little longer.
The IFP hopes and believes that the Minister is able to walk his talk and we are confident that if finance works, all other department will get to work.
The IFP supports the report and will closely monitor the implementation of the recommendations made in this report. Thank you. [Applause.]